Open AccessShort report: Follow‐up of Bahamian women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
Author(s) -
Narod Steven A.,
Butler Raleigh,
Bobrowski David,
Akbari Mohammad R.,
Curling DuVaughan,
Lunn John,
Ho Catherine,
Panahi Sara,
Llacuachaqui Marcia,
Donenberg Talia,
Hurley Judith
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
molecular genetics and genomic medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.765
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2324-9269
DOI - 10.1002/mgg3.363
Subject(s) - medicine , brca mutation , breast cancer , prophylactic surgery , oophorectomy , genetic testing , mastectomy , cancer , gynecology , family history , population , prophylactic mastectomy , surgery , obstetrics , hysterectomy , environmental health
Purpose We sought to determine to what extent the knowledge of carrying a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation influences the uptake of preventive surgeries in Bahamian women, including bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and bilateral mastectomy. Patients and methods The study population consisted of 78 female residents of the Bahamas for whom a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation had been detected between 2004 and 2014. The mean age of the 78 participants at the time of genetic testing was 46 years (age range 22–73 years). The mean time of follow‐up was 4.4 years. Results Of the 78 study participants, 19 women had a bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (24%). Seven out of 37 patients who had unilateral breast cancer chose to remove the unaffected contralateral breast (19%). Three of 13 patients with no history of breast cancer chose to have a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy (23%). Conclusion Preventive surgery is an acceptable option for a significant proportion of Bahamian women with a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation. It will be important to identify and reduce barriers to preventive surgery in the Bahamas in order that the benefit of getting testing can be fully realized.